Parker, Jackson, Etc. Join 12/1 Laramie Project Reading

Mary-Louise Parker, Joshua Jackson, Kathy Najimy and James Murtaugh have joined the previously announced all-star cast of the December 1st reading of The Laramie Project.

The stars join Stockard Channing, Judith Light, Robert Desiderio, Van Hansis of "As The World Turns", and Chad Allen.

Honoring the 30th birthday of the late Matthew Shepard, the event will take place at the Town Hall Theater in Times Square, with a V.I.P. cast party to follow the event.  The evening, hosted by former Second Lady Tipper Gore, will also include a special live performance by Cyndi Lauper. Additional names will be announced in the coming weeks, with casting subject to change.
 
As the pinnacle of this important event, the Matthew Shepard Foundation will present Moises Kaufman and the members of the Tectonic Theater Project with its "Making a Difference" award for the creation and production of this groundbreaking play.  Since its opening night almost seven years ago, the play has been produced over 5,000 times by schools, community theaters, faith-based organizations and mainstream theater groups around the world.
 
"We could not be more thrilled or humbled to receive the Matthew Shepard Foundation 'Making a Difference' award," said Moises Kaufman, "Since its premiere in New York in 2000, producing The Laramie Project has been an extraordinary experience for Tectonic Theater Project," Kaufman continued. 
 
"The Laramie Project has received international recognition for its portrayal of how a small town reacted to and dealt with one of the most publicized hate crimes in America. The play recounts the shock and confusion the citizens of Laramie felt after hearing the details of Matthew's assault. There was a strong desire to move forward and a great deal of introspection about what had happened to their idyllic town after this tragedy.  At the same time, some residents were angry because they felt they were being misrepresented in the media."
 
Judy Shepard, mother of Matthew Shepard and Executive Director of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, said: "I am continually inspired to see how participating in or even viewing The Laramie Project, invokes the kind of emotion and passion it takes to begin the process of erasing hate." Shepard will be at the event to present the 'Making a Difference' award.' 
 
The Matthew Shepard Foundation was founded by Dennis and Judy Shepard in memory of their 21-year old son, Matthew, who was murdered in an anti-gay hate crime in Wyoming in October 1998. Created to honor Matthew in a manner that was appropriate to his dreams, beliefs and aspirations, the Foundation seeks to "Replace Hate with Understanding, Compassion & Acceptance" through its varied educational programs and by continuing to tell Matthew's story. For more information, please visit www.MatthewShepard.org.
 
For additional information about the Tectonic Theater Project, please go to www.tectonictheaterproject.org .
 
To purchase tickets or for further information about "An Evening Honoring the Laramie Project, please visit www.MatthewShepard.org/TheLaramieProject or contact Warren Green at 303-830-7400 x 11 or Warren@MatthewShepard.org.

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